Our partnership with Ngāi Tahu is built on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to working together for the long-term wellbeing of Waitaha Canterbury. Through the Tuia programme and co-governance arrangements, we recognise the deep relationship Ngāi Tahu have with their ancestral land and water, and work collaboratively to achieve better environmental outcomes for current and future generations.

The Tuia programme - working well together

The Tuia programme is about working together to achieve better outcomes for everyone. It’s about relationships, mutual respect, shared understandings and shared values. Working in partnership in this way means that we can create a sustainable environment for current and future generations – together.

Our shared vision is based on recognising the relationship between Ngāi Tahu, their ancestral land, and the fact it is inextricably affected by the work we do at Environment Canterbury.

Co-governance of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere

The protection and care of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is a key symbol of this relationship, and is embodied by the whakataukī of the Whakaora Te Waihora programme: Mā whero, mā pako, ka oti ai te mahi (the task shall be achieved through unity).

Find out more about the Whakaora Te Waihora programme

Iwi management plans

Ngāi Tahu and the consent process

Understand how to engage with Ngāi Tahu during the consent process, including expectations from tangata whenua, respectful consultation practices, and available support.

Learn more about Ngāi Tahu and the consent process